Why Does My Game Keep Crashing On Startup And How To Troubleshoot It

There’s nothing more frustrating than launching a game you’ve been looking forward to, only for it to crash before the main menu even appears. Whether you're playing a AAA title or an indie favorite, startup crashes can stem from a wide range of issues — some simple, others more complex. The good news is that most of these problems are solvable with the right approach. Understanding the root causes and applying targeted fixes can save hours of frustration and get you back in the action quickly.

Common Causes of Game Crashes on Startup

Before diving into solutions, it's essential to identify what might be causing the crash. Games require a delicate balance of hardware performance, software compatibility, and system stability. When any part of this ecosystem fails, the result is often a sudden shutdown at launch.

• Incompatible or outdated graphics drivers: Your GPU driver may not support the game’s rendering engine.
• Missing or corrupted game files: Files may have failed to download properly or become damaged over time.
• Insufficient system resources: Low RAM, high CPU usage, or inadequate VRAM can prevent proper initialization.
• Software conflicts: Antivirus programs, overlays (like Discord or Steam), or background apps may interfere.
• Operating system issues: Missing Windows updates or incorrect system settings (e.g., DirectX version) can break compatibility.
• Overclocking instability: Overclocked CPU, GPU, or RAM may cause instability during intensive processes like game loading.
• Disk read errors: If the game is stored on a failing or fragmented drive, data retrieval can fail mid-launch.

Tip: Always check the game’s official support page or community forums—many developers list known issues and temporary workarounds.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow this structured process to diagnose and resolve startup crashes systematically. Start with the simplest fixes and progress to more advanced options if needed.

1. Restart your computer. A fresh boot clears temporary files and resets system resources that may be interfering.
2. Update your graphics drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and install the latest stable driver.
3. Verify game files. On Steam: Right-click the game > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Cache. Repeat for other platforms like Epic or Ubisoft Connect.
4. Run the game as administrator. Right-click the executable and select \"Run as administrator\" to bypass permission issues.
5. Disable overlays. Turn off Discord, Steam, GeForce Experience, or Xbox Game Bar overlays temporarily.
6. Check for Windows updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending patches.
7. Install required redistributables. Many games need Visual C++ Redistributables, .NET Framework, or DirectX components. These are often included in the game’s installation folder under \"_CommonRedist\".
8. Adjust compatibility settings. Right-click the game .exe > Properties > Compatibility > Try running in compatibility mode for an earlier Windows version (e.g., Windows 8).
9. Monitor system temperatures. Use tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to ensure your CPU and GPU aren’t overheating during launch.
10. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking and test the game. If it runs, a background application is likely the culprit.

When to Suspect Hardware Issues

If the game crashes consistently across multiple titles or after verifying all software factors, hardware may be at fault. Memory corruption, failing SSDs, or unstable power supplies can manifest as random crashes. Run diagnostic tools such as:

• MemTest86 for RAM testing (run for at least one full pass).
• CrystalDiskInfo to check disk health (look for reallocated sectors or warning signs).
• FurMark or Prime95 to stress-test GPU and CPU stability.

“Over 60% of reported game crashes on startup are resolved by updating GPU drivers or verifying game files. Always start there.” — David Lin, Senior Technical Support Analyst at PC Gamer Help Desk

Essential Do’s and Don’ts When Fixing Startup Crashes

Do’s	Don’ts
Keep your operating system and drivers updated	Ignore error messages or logs
Use official sources for drivers and software	Download cracked DLLs or third-party “fix” tools
Verify game files regularly, especially after updates	Assume the issue is with your internet connection
Close unnecessary background applications	Overclock components without stress-testing first
Check event logs in Windows for crash details	Reinstall the entire game immediately—try simpler fixes first

Tip: Press Win + R, type eventvwr.msc, and navigate to Windows Logs > Application to find crash entries related to your game. Look for errors marked with a red icon.

Real-World Case: Solving a Persistent Crash in Cyberpunk 2077

A user reported that Cyberpunk 2077 would crash immediately upon launch, displaying no error message. Initial attempts—restarting the PC and reinstalling the game—failed. The user then followed a structured troubleshooting path:

• Updated NVIDIA drivers to the latest Game Ready version.
• Verified game files through the Steam client—three files were found corrupted and repaired.
• Disabled MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner, which were running in the background.
• Deleted the game’s config folder located in C:\\Users\\[User]\\AppData\\Local\\Cyberpunk 2077 to force regeneration.

After these steps, the game launched successfully. The root cause was determined to be a combination of outdated drivers and corrupted configuration files. This case illustrates how layered issues can coexist—and why a methodical approach is critical.

Advanced Fixes for Stubborn Crashes

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, consider these deeper interventions:

Modify Launch Options or Configuration Files

Some games allow command-line parameters that can bypass problematic initialization routines. On Steam:

• Right-click the game > Properties > Set Launch Options.
• Add flags like -windowed, -safe, or -nointro to skip splash screens or force lower settings.

For example, adding -dx11 or -opengl can force a specific rendering API if the default one fails.

Reinstall or Repair Visual C++ Redistributables

Corrupted runtime libraries are a silent killer. Navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, locate all Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages, and reinstall the x64 and x86 versions from Microsoft’s official site.

Perform a Clean Boot

This isolates software conflicts by starting Windows with only essential services.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab, check \"Hide all Microsoft services,\" then click \"Disable all.\"
3. Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager, disabling all startup items.
4. Restart your PC and try launching the game.

If the game works, re-enable services and startup apps gradually to identify the offender.

Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware (With Caution)

In rare cases, motherboard firmware bugs can affect PCIe communication with GPUs. Check your manufacturer’s website (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.) for BIOS updates. Warning: Flashing BIOS incorrectly can permanently damage your system. Only proceed if you’re experienced and the update specifically addresses stability or compatibility issues.

Troubleshooting Checklist

Use this checklist to methodically eliminate potential causes:

• ✅ Restart your computer
• ✅ Update graphics drivers
• ✅ Verify game files via platform client
• ✅ Install missing redistributables (VC++, DirectX)
• ✅ Disable antivirus or add game folder to exceptions
• ✅ Turn off all overlays (Discord, Steam, GeForce Experience)
• ✅ Run the game as administrator
• ✅ Check Windows Event Viewer for crash logs
• ✅ Test with integrated graphics (if available) to rule out GPU issues
• ✅ Perform a clean boot to detect software conflicts
• ✅ Reinstall the game if all else fails

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my game crash on startup but work fine after several tries?

Intermittent crashes often point to resource contention or race conditions. Background processes may be consuming memory or CPU at launch. They can also indicate overheating or marginal hardware stability. Monitoring system performance during startup can help identify spikes or bottlenecks.

Can a slow hard drive cause a game to crash on startup?

Yes. While a slow HDD won’t usually cause a crash outright, severe disk fragmentation, bad sectors, or extremely slow read speeds can interrupt data streaming during initialization. If S.M.A.R.T. data shows disk errors, consider replacing the drive or moving the game to an SSD.

Does overclocking really cause game crashes?

Absolutely. Even mild overclocks can destabilize a system under load. GPU, CPU, or RAM overclocks—even if they passed a 10-minute benchmark—may fail during the unpredictable memory access patterns of game loading. Resetting to default clock speeds is a reliable way to test stability.

Final Steps and Prevention Tips

Once you’ve resolved the crash, take steps to prevent recurrence:

• Enable automatic driver updates via GeForce Experience, AMD Software, or Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
• Regularly verify game files, especially after major patches.
• Avoid installing untrusted mods or third-party launchers unless from verified sources.
• Keep your system well-ventilated and clean dust from fans and heatsinks monthly.
• Use a surge protector or UPS to guard against power fluctuations that can corrupt data.

Tip: Create a system restore point before installing new games or drivers. If something goes wrong, you can revert quickly without losing data.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Gaming Experience

Game crashes on startup are common but rarely unsolvable. With a logical, step-by-step approach, most issues can be diagnosed and fixed using tools and knowledge already at your disposal. Don’t settle for repeated failures—each crash is a clue pointing toward a fix. Whether it’s a missing driver, a rogue background app, or deeper hardware concerns, persistence pays off. Apply these strategies, document what changes work, and share your findings. The gaming community thrives on shared solutions, and your breakthrough could help someone else get back in the game faster.

💬 Did one of these fixes work for you? Or do you have a unique solution to a stubborn crash? Share your experience in the comments below—your insight could be the answer someone else is searching for.